With the playoffs on the horizon, the Oklahoma City Thunder still has everything in front of it.
Each of the top three seeds in the Western Conference are still in play for OKC, but it must win the games it has left to have any chance of home court advantage in the second round — or later.
First on the docket was the Milwaukee Bucks, who come in with their own host of potential seeding outcomes. The only problem for the Bucks, both Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo were out.
OKC smelled the blood in the water, racing out to a double digit lead in the early going and never looking back. The Thunder would eventually win 125-107, but most importantly, no one got hurt, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked like himself.
SGA wasn’t as efficient as he typically is, but he passed the eye test with flying colors, blowing past any and all opposers and getting to his spots at will. The shots didn’t fall, but if he creates looks like he did against the Bucks in the playoffs, OKC will be hard to beat for any team.
Along with SGA, Chet Holmgren was a clear difference maker. The rookie big man tallied 22 points on 9-13 shooting, ripped down 9 rebounds, including 3 of which that were offensive, and swatted 3 shots (4 if you ask Michael Cage).
Holmgren jump shot was automatic against the Bucks, despite Brook Lopez, one of the NBA’s elite defenders at the center position, being draped all over him on multiple occasions.
If Holmgren can preform how he did Friday come the playoffs, the equation changes for OKC. Many have pointed to the inexperience of Holmgren as a downside for postseason play, but as of late, he has looked like anything but a rookie.
A game against the Bucks’ second unit doesn’t mean a ton, but SGA’s health looks better than ever, and Holmgren continues to get more comfortable as the season goes on.
OKC has the privilege of having everyone on the roster trending up as the playoffs draw near. All the way down to Lindy Waters III, everyone is playing their best basketball of the season, and no one wants to play OKC come next week.
Good game summary. Thanks!